A 32-YEAR-OLD woman died following a house fire in Darlington on Saturday.

Emergency services were called to Brunton Street, Darlington along with the Great North Air Ambulance at around 10.30am following a call from a neighbour who had smelled smoke. 

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: "At 11am this morning police, fire and ambulance were called to an address in Brunton Street, Darlington following reports of a house fire.
"Despite the efforts of the paramedics, a 32-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene and a joint investigation is now underway to establish the cause of the fire.

"Brunton Street remains closed while fire and forensic investigators examine the scene."

A spokesman for the air ambulance said: "A GNAAS Doctor led trauma team were called to assist with a patient who was involved in a house fire in Darlington today.

"NEAS Rapid Response and Ambulance crews were also on scene. All efforts were made to resusitate the patient on scene but very sadly the lady died.

"Our thoughts are with the family."

A spokesman for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue added: "A joint investigation is under way by Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and Durham Constabulary after the occupier of a terraced house in Brunton Street, Darlington died following a fire in the property.

"Three appliances from Darlington and Newton Aycliffe were mobilised. On arrival the property was heavily smoke logged. Four BA was used and a female adult was rescued from the living room, whilst crews were extinguishing a fire in the kitchen. Unfortunately, despite the firefighters best efforts in rescuing the person and administering oxygen the woman was pronounced dead at the scene."

Earlier, a police spokesman said: "Until we can prove otherwise, every avenue of investigation will be examined. The investigation is at its early stages. 

"The emergency services are at the scene and trying to ascertain what is happening. 

"It's a confusing scene because there are members of the public wanting to watch what's going on."